Costa Rica's National Parks and Volcanoes

When you think about the naturally rich countries in the world, Costa Rica is bound to come up as one of the top. Costa Rica, meaning "Rich Coast" is one of the most naturally gifted countries with an exceptional tourist infrastructure. One of the major attractions of Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park.

Situated on the Osa Peninsula, the south-west part of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is widely considered the crown jewel in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across the country. The ecological variety here is stunning and for this, National Geographic has named it as the "most biologically intense place on earth".

Corcovado National Park is the backpacking experience of a lifetime. It encompasses the only remaining old growth wet forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, and 13 major ecosystems including lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps, as well as costal marine and beach habitats. There is a good chance of spotting some of Costa Rica's shyest and most endangered inhabitants here; Baird's Tapirs, Jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Red-backed squirrel monkeys and White-lipped Peccaries. It is wet, remote and rugged, but the trails are relatively good, and the camping areas near the ranger stations are grassy and well drained. If you have ever imagined yourself swimming up to a deserted golden sand beach lined with coconut palms, then rinse off under a waterfall surrounded by the rainforest. You'll find Corcovado's 23 miles (39 km) of beaches appealing and private. Be careful where you swim, there are areas where hammerhead sharks schools gather (no reported attacks), and crocodiles are common in Corcovado Lagoon and the estuaries of the Ríos Claro and Sirena.

The botanic beauty of Corcovado National Park is amazing. You'll see various kinds of trees and natural beauties. Here are some of the types:
Mangrove Swamps
Corcovado Lagoon
Herbaceous Marsh
Palm Swamp
Varied Swamp Forest
Gallery Forest
Plateau Forest
Mountain or Upland Forests
Cloud Forest


The zoological beauty of Corcovado National Park is something to remember. They have a wide range of animals and many of them are not found in other parts of the world. There are almost 140 types of mammals, over 400 species of birds, 40 fresh water fish, 71 reptiles, 46 amphibians and around 8000 types of insects. Corcovado is home, in fact, to five species of cats: 1) jaguar; 2) puma; 3) ocelot; 4) jaguarundi; and 5) margay. Of the four species of monkeys native to Costa Rica, all inhabit the forests of Corcovado. The great variety of bird species includes at least 17 subspecies and one specie not found anywhere else in the world, including the yellow-billed cotinga. The Osa Peninsula boasts the highest natural population of scarlet macaws remaining in the New World. The nearly mythic harpy eagle, thought to have been driven to local extinction in 1986, was spotted in 2003, indicating that while tenuous and highly threatened, the fearsome raptor still makes his living off poorly positioned sloths and monkeys in the canopy that carpets the land.

The threatened Baird's tapir maintains healthy populations in Corcovado, where it is easy to view and study the timid and reclusive nocturnal animal. Two types of peccaries, the large white-lipped peccary and the small, collared peccary roam the park in herds of as many as several hundred of the former to fifteen-thirty of the latter and are the jaguar's main food when not eating turtles. In addition, both two- and three-toed sloths, silky, tamandua, and great anteaters, nutrias, raccoons, a variety of opossums, and deer also contribute to the mammalian diversity inside Corcovado. The inland lagoon is home to large crocodiles, and all the river mouths feature both the crocodiles and caimans among their predatory denizens.


Bull sharks feed in the mixing zone of the fresh and salt water and hunt upstream at high tide, frightening hikers that forget to take the tide schedule into account. With an insect count thought to number around 6000 species, the insect population of Corcovado has been reported to encompass the entire spectrum of Central American insect types found from southern Mexico to Panama.

All I can say is that if you are in Costa Rica, and not been here, you are certainly missing out on one of the major attractive parts of the world. The botanical and zoological diversity of Corcovado National Park has increased the significance of its natural beauty.

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Arenal Volcano National Park, located in north central Costa Rica is one of the country's most visited national parks. It's a must for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. In almost constant small eruptions, the mighty Arenal spews out hot rocks, lava, and ash attracting tourist from all around the world. Arenal lay dormant for over 400 years until early on July 29, 1968, it violently erupted and buried the small village of Pueblo Nuevo, located on the volcano's north face.

There is no rainy or dry season as in other areas of Costa Rica. The rain comes all year creating lush rain forests, tropical flowering plants, and hundreds of colorful birds. Actually in the months of March and April, there is less rainfall.

Arenal volcano draws thousands of tourist each year, and hotels of all sizes and prices have popped up along the one road that runs from the little town of La Fortuna to Lake Arenal (approximately seven miles or eleven kilometers). Several different tour companies have their offices in La Fortuna and offer everything from the Sky Tram and canopy tours to horseback riding, bungie jumping, rain forest hikes, over hanging bridges, river safari adventures, and much more.



The howler is the most often spotted monkey and the colorful toucan seems to be in almost every tree top. The highlight for every tourist seems to be a dip into one of the natural hot springs, whose mineral waters claim to cure almost any
ailment. The are several to choose from. There is famous Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa being the most popular, to Baldi Hot Springs or Ecothermales Hot Springs. A few smaller ones are sprinkled around which seem to attract the locals.

What is best time of year to visit? Really all year round with March and April being the driest months.

What should I wear? Weather is warm, around 75-80 F. with high humidity, so wear cottons, bring a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, mosquito repellent, and your camera .

And most importantly, have fun!

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Costa Rica houses over 110 volcanoes. Imagine if they all went boom at once! Gratefully, that won't be happening any time soon. Out of the 110 volcanoes, only five are actually active. And not enough to scare the bejesus out of anyone!

What's even more amazing is that you can actually get up-close and look down their craters or dip in nearby hot springs while watching an ongoing lava show.

Poas Volcano

This is without a doubt the most popular volcano in all of Costa Rica. Why?

1. It's only 45 minute drive from San Jose.
2. You can walk right up to the tip of the crater and look in.
3. It's simply amazing!

Poas Volcano is actually three craters, but the main one is active. When you look into the crater you'll come face to face with one of the most active bubbling volcanic lakes in the world.

Note: The best time to visit is early in the morning, usually by midday the clouds have rolled in and you'll be lucky to see your hand in front of your face.

Arenal Volcano

This is the second most popular volcano in Costa Rica. Why?

1. It's a bit further drive, that's all. Otherwise, it would be #1.

Arenal Volcano, one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world, will not disappoint you. With non-stop lava flowing show, you'll be awe-struck with its beauty. But the best part, you can enjoy watching this magical scene while soaking in natural hot springs warmed up by the volcano itself.

Irazu Volcano

Irazu has many super interesting facts. For instance, it's the tallest volcano in the country and on a clear day you can see both oceans at once. Plus, you can walk right on over to the tip of the crater and look down on the blue-green, sometimes red, mineral lake inside the active volcano.

This volcano is another great day trip from San Jose. You can add a stop over in Cartago and see the famous Basilica where millions of people make a religious pilgrimage each year, in August, and have some of the miracle working magic rub off on you too!

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

The literal definition of this volcano is corner of the old lady, and the locals refer to this volcano as though she is an old lady. This is the third most active volcano in Costa Rica and is surrounded by a freshwater lake, waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and boiling mud pools. The volcano is located really close to Liberia in the Guanacaste region and is a great day trip. Where else can you dip your body in a mud pool warmed up by the volcano rich with minerals?



Turrialba Volcano

What's great about this volcano is that it's one of those adventure-get-aways. There are no paved roads to the top, so the nature lodges surrounding it have horseback excursions to take you up to the top and have a peak inside.

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I get so many inquiries about Manuel Antonio. Most of them ask, "is it worth the trip?"

Besides the gorgeous hotels, delicious restaurants and a full batch of activities and tours that will ignite a fire under the most laziest traveler, Manuel Antonio National Park will astound you with nature, wildlife and the full-on tropical experience.

You don't have to believe me, see for yourself!

Monkey

Sloth

Iguana


These are the animals I found on my own. We also splurged a bit and hired a naturalistic guide. Let me tell you, it was worth every penny! It's as though they have some crazy sixth sense in spotting the most obscure animals. We saw bats tucked deep into huge tree holes sleeping during the day. We spotted birds that I would never have noticed. And as much as I'm NOT a fan of insects, he did point out some insanely huge ones, yet harmless, perched on trees and branches.

The way I look at it, if you're going to come all the way here, might as well get the whole EXPERIENCE!

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The gateway to this gorgeous, well maintained and managed park is a bridge from the town of Cahuita to the registration office. Here, you'll sign in and if you're feeling generous, donate money for the entrance fee.

The majority of the park is marine based. There is a well-marked and super-easy trail that will lead you parallel to all the gorgeous beaches. Besides being a fantastic place to fully relax and get away from EVERYTHING, you can enjoy some of the best snorkeling in all of Costa Rica.
I would highly recommend a visit to this park, even if you're staying in Puerto Viejo.

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